9 Runway-Approved Hairstyles to Wear to the Races

Spring racing season is essentially the party season before party season. When else can you put on a look-at-me hat or headpiece, and stand around drinking champagne at 10 a.m.? As fun as this brand of dress up can be, it comes with the potential for beauty-related anxiety. (No, you’re not the only one who finds the concept of styling their own updo, intimidating.) Working out how to wear your hair to suit an accessory can be tricky, but there is a way to guarantee a win—looking to the spring shows for styles with a proven track record.

Sometimes simple really is best. A great partner for most hair accessories, Lanvin's mussed up chignon is easy to recreate at home. Even better, if you copy the silk ribbon bow, too (you should), it won't cost you more than a fiver.

Like the lovechild of a hair tie and skinny scarf, Dior's embellished choker is an unexpected way to pimp your pony. Mist hair with a hold spray like Eleven’s Make Me Shine Spray Gloss ($23), and pin the ribbon in place at the base of your ponytail for a pro finish. 

These soft and ethereal twists were wrapped with gold thread for a clip-like effect. Work a dry shampoo through clean hair for grip, twist small sections and pin, then add Mimco's The Fling Haircharms ($60) for a similar vibe.

From the moment we clapped eyes on Chanel's double-ponytails (or pigtails) we've been on the hunt for an occasion to wear them to. The perfect partner to a boater-style hat, add a pair of barrettes to complete the look.

Chanel's show was fit to bursting with beauty inspiration and we love this hairstyle for naturally-curly strands. Apply a curl cream (like Moroccanoil's Intense Curl Creme, $48) for definition, add two metallic headbands and go.

Calling all DIY devotees—this fruit and flower-embellished hair band has your name written all over it. Bonus: If Dolce & Gabbana can team it with second-day hair twisted into a bun, so can you.

Another simple style to copy at home, the models at Gucci wore their hair loose, center-parted, and accessorized with a floral clip. Go for a design like Asos' Vintage Flower Hair Clip ($9) and position it just over your ear.

If you needed more proof for the return of the barrette, here it is. This carefree look also makes a pretty strong case for the notion that undone waves are always a good idea. 

When everything else feels overdone, this Oscar de la Renta ponytail will save you. To DIY, smooth hair into a low, loose pony, tie on a thick piece of satin ribbon, then glory in the easy glamour you've just created.